4A boys basketball: Eagles’ Valdez fills tall order

Many reporters, broadcasters and bloggers brought up the question on press row during halftime of Saturday’s game.

East's Jimmy Valdez goes up for a shot against Sand Creek's Nick Pasley during their 4A semifinal on Friday, March 14, 2014 at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colo. East won 59-51 to advance to the final. (Chris McLean, The Pueblo Chieftain)

The answer soon became clear in the Class 4A Great 8 game at the Denver Coliseum.

The “big guy” they mentioned was East High School 6-foot-4 center Jimmy Valdez.’

The Eagles pivot was basically a nonfactor offensively in the first half against Valor Christian, scoring just two points.

Valdez must have heard the whispers.

As the third quarter unfolded, Valdez, who had concentrated on shutting down Valor’s 6-6 scoring machine Chase Foster for the first 16 minutes, suddenly exploded.

He poured in seven third-quarter points to help the Eagles stay in contact. And he played an integral role in the fourth quarter and overtime when East upset one of the state’s best 4A teams 62-56 in overtime.

The win advanced the Eagles into the Final Four at 4 p.m. Friday at the University of Colorado Events Center in Boulder where they will meet Sand Creek.

Valdez again will be a key figure in determining whether East advances to Saturday’s championship game in search of the school’s first state boys basketball crown. In fact, he’s one of those players who likely will play all 32 minutes (or more) because East’s depth isn’t a strength.

“Jimmy’s got a lot of facets to his game,” East coach Dave Ryder said. “He’s one of the best players in the state and can do it on both ends of the floor.

“He’s done whatever we need him to do for us and has really grown over the past few weeks. I’ve noticed he’s gone to a different level in his preparation for games. Obviously, he’s big for us.”

Valdez doesn’t have huge numbers. He averages 14 points and eight rebounds a game. Just his presence on the floor can be intimidating. And he’s not afraid to shoulder the load.

“Actually, I like the pressure,” he said. “It makes me and the team perform better.”

Valdez understands that he’s one of those players who can’t come off the floor and absolutely must avoid getting into foul trouble.

“At this point, I kind of have to do whatever I can to help the team,” Valdez said. “I’ve been playing the whole game the whole season. Usually when I come out, it’s because of foul trouble or matchups.”

Playing against taller opponents doesn’t deter Valdez.

“I welcome playing against bigger guys,” he said. “I always try and get the first punch in there. It helps me elevate my game.”

Ryder admits he and his staff have to prod Valdez at times because of his easygoing nature.

“He’s one of the most caring kids I’ve been around,” Ryder said. “Sometimes he steps back and wants to get his teammates involved.

“We tell him to move to the forefront and he can be the guy. If that’s a fault, it’s not a bad fault to have.”